Klkl

Is the European Union an empire?

> The EU is an empire enlarged by

negotiation and consent

> The EU is an empire without an emperor

> The EU is an empire governed by

indirect rule

What did European integration bring?

> Cooperation instead of conflict; Europe a

global player.

> Prosperity through free markets and free

trade

> Free space to travel at affordable prices

> Monetary stability through the Euro

What does the EU lack?

> Connection to the people. Public view is

hostile or distant:

> EU: Brussels is a monster, a behemoth

> Top EU leaders are unelected; Mandarins

call the shots

> EU is felt as a bureaucratic occupation

force

Constitution did the wrong thing

> to put the EU on a federal footing

> Political elite far ahead; public did not

follow

> Constitution strengthened perception

of ‘imperialist empire’

> Constitution turned EU into threat to

national identity

New Treaty, does it improve?

> Does the text re-connect European integration to the people? (not aconstitution, but unreadable and elusive)

> Does the Treaty streamline the institutionalframework? (size of Commission,European Parliament, duplicity, agencies)

> Is mission of EU concentrated on limitedpolicy-areas? (CAP, Regional Policy,Energy Policy, Immigration Policy)

Conclusion

> Bureaucratic machinery: streamlining

too slow; mission unfocused

> Enlargement: enlarge economic

concept EU, not EU itself.

> Estrangement from people: some

leading positions should be elected, like EU President, Commission

President and Commissioners.

Thank you!